Shardiya Navratri 2026- Date, Ghatasthapana Muhurat, 9 Days Calendar and Puja Guide

Shardiya Navratri 2026: Date, Ghatasthapana Muhurat, 9 Days Calendar and Puja Guide.. Shardiya Navratri is one of the most widely observed Hindu festivals dedicated to Goddess Durga and her nine forms. In 2026, Shardiya Navratri will begin on Sunday, October 11.. According to the Delhi Panchang, the Ghatasthapana muhurat on October 11 is from 6:19 AM to 10:12 AM. An additional Abhijit Muhurat is listed from 11:44 AM to 12:31 PM.. The festival will continue through nine days of worship, with each day associated with one form of Navdurga. Vijayadashami, or Dussehra, will be observed on October 20, 2026.. When Is Shardiya Navratri 2026 Starting? Shardiya Navratri 2026 begins on October 11, Sunday.. The Pratipada Tithi begins at 9:19 PM on October 10 and ends at 9:30 PM on October 11, according to the Delhi Panchang. Since the festival day is determined according to the applicable sunrise-based Panchang calculation, Navratri begins on October 11.. Ghatasthapana Muhurat 2026 Ghatasthapana marks the beginning of Navratri worship.. For Delhi, the listed timings are:- Ritual| Date| Time Ghatasthapana| October 11, 2026| 6:19 AM–10:12 AM Abhijit Muhurat| October 11, 2026| 11:44 AM–12:31 PM Panchang timings can vary by location, so devotees outside Delhi should check their local Panchang before performing the ritual.. Why Is Ghatasthapana Important? Ghatasthapana, also known as Kalash Sthapana, is traditionally performed at the beginning of Navratri. A Kalash is established as part of the worship and Goddess Shakti is invoked through prescribed rituals.. The timing is traditionally selected according to the Pratipada Tithi and local Panchang calculations.. Navratri 2026: Nine Days and Nine Forms of Goddess Durga Each day of Navratri is traditionally associated with one form of Navdurga:- 1. Day 1 – Maa Shailputri 2. Day 2 – Maa Brahmacharini 3. Day 3 – Maa Chandraghanta 4. Day 4 – Maa Kushmanda 5. Day 5 – Maa Skandamata 6. Day 6 – Maa Katyayani 7. Day 7 – Maa Kalaratri 8. Day 8 – Maa Mahagauri 9. Day 9 – Maa Siddhidatri Devotees observe different forms of worship, fasting and prayers during these nine days.. What Is the Significance of Navratri? Navratri is traditionally associated with the worship of Goddess Durga in her different forms.. In Hindu tradition, the festival represents the victory of good over evil. The nine nights are dedicated to different manifestations of Goddess Shakti, while the tenth day is associated with Vijayadashami.. Different regions of India observe the festival in different ways. In Gujarat, Garba and Dandiya celebrations are particularly prominent, while West Bengal observes Durga Puja during the same broader festive period.. Simple Navratri Puja Guide For devotees performing a simple home puja, the basic routine can include: - - Cleaning the puja area before worship - Establishing the Kalash during the prescribed muhurat - Worshipping Goddess Durga and the form associated with that day - Lighting a diya - Offering flowers, fruits and other traditional offerings - Reciting Durga mantras, prayers or aarti - Following one's family or local tradition for fasting and food.. The exact rituals can differ according to regional and family traditions.. What Should You Keep in Mind During Navratri? People observing Navratri often follow specific dietary and religious practices according to their family tradition.. Those keeping a fast should choose foods permitted by their own tradition and health requirements. There is no single fasting practice followed by every community.. Similarly, puja timings can differ depending on the city because Panchang calculations use local sunrise and other astronomical factors.. When Is Dussehra 2026? Vijayadashami, commonly known as Dussehra, will be observed on October 20, 2026 according to the cited Navratri calendar. It marks the tenth day following the Navratri observances.. FAQs - When does Navratri start in 2026? Shardiya Navratri begins on October 11, 2026.. What is the Ghatasthapana time in Delhi? The listed Ghatasthapana muhurat for Delhi is 6:19 AM to 10:12 AM on October 11, 2026.. How many days is Shardiya Navratri? Navratri is traditionally observed over nine nights, followed by Vijayadashami on the tenth day.. Which Goddess is worshipped on the first day? The first day of Navratri is traditionally dedicated to Maa Shailputri.. When is Dussehra 2026? Vijayadashami/Dussehra will be observed on October 20, 2026.. Can Ghatasthapana timings differ by city? Yes. Muhurat timings can vary according to the local Panchang and location. For example, the Delhi timings differ from those listed for other Indian cities..